Hawaii is comprised of 132 islands and was historically known as the Sandwich Islands. The City of Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. Even though Honolulu real estate is located in the tropics, it enjoys a moderate climate cooled by the California current that passes through the Hawaiian islands most of the year. Honolulu homes are located on the island of Oahu. The City of Honolulu boasts many fun activities year-round for visitors and services for both travelers and natives.

Honolulu Housing Trend

The Honolulu real estate market continues to be a buyers market but trends show stabilization and many areas are starting to see increases in value. From the timeframe spanning June 2011 to August 2011, the median home sales price for Honolulu homes was approximately $385,000 as based upon 851 homes sold. Honolulu continues to be a favorable location for those looking for real estate as the island of Oahu, Hawaii, remains a top destination for tourism and vacationers. Price ranges can vary greatly depending on what area or neighborhood that you are looking to buy a home in. Popular neighborhoods such as Waikiki and Hawaii Kai have average listing prices of $668,151 and $1,212,515 respectively.

The Robin McCann Team can help you identify the right home for you or help you sell your property and advise you on the best strategies based on market conditions. Let our years of real estate experience be put to work for you. With many things to do and places to see that makes Honolulu a Top Destination in the world, you will always find value with owning a Honolulu real estate.

Honolulu HistoryWhile it has not been determined when the Polynesian migrants first came to what is now known as Honolulu, there are some indications of a settlement on the grounds as early as the 12th century. English Captain William Brown was the first foreigner to use Honolulu Harbor as a port in 1794. Word of mouth got out quickly and, soon, merchants were utilizing Honolulu Harbor a mainstay for ships on their travels back and forth from Asia to North America.

After King Kamehameha I moved his court to Honolulu in 1809, King Kamehameha III made Honolulu real estate the permanent capital of Hawaii in 1845, creating more modern buildings like the 'Iolani Palace and St Andrew's Cathedral. This new construction coincided with new businesses being established by the offspring of American missionaries in the dowtown area of modern Honolulu, making the city the center of commerce for the Hawaiian islands.

It's location made it the perfect place for the United States' Pacific Fleet to set up their headquarters. On December 7th, 1941, in a morning raid, the Japanese attacked the US base, killing over 2300 people, sinking nine ships and damaging 21 others. This catapulted the United States into participating in what would become World War II. The battleship USS Arizona was sunk in a matter of seconds. A memorial now stands over the sunken ship in the harbor.

After officially becoming the 50th of the United States in August 1959, tourism became the mainstay of Honolulu's economy. When modern air transportation found its way to the islands, it made it easier for people to travel to Honolulu real estate. Tourism continues to be the biggest source of income for Honolulu and nearby Waikiki.

Honolulu SchoolsThe Hawaii Department of Education oversees all public education of students living in Honolulu real estate. The Honolulu school system is quite extensive. There are 53 elementary, 15 middle, 12 high schools and six charter schools in Honolulu's public school system. There are also 126 exceptional private schools for parents to choose from.

For higher education, Honolulu residents needs only look to their own University of Hawaii - Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University.

Things to See & Do in HonoluluHonolulu's beautiful tropical climate and amazing vistas allow for some pretty spactacular recreational activities: swimming, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, paragliding and parasailing are only a few of the ways to enjoy Hawaii's beauty. The Great Aloha Run (President's Day), Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Honolulu Triathlon (May) are annual events that showcase the best of athletes from around the world.

For cultural entertainment, you can enjoy performances by the Honolulu Symphony and Hawaii Opera Theatre. Honolulu also happens to be the center for the music Hawaii is known for. The Hawaii Theatre, Neal Blaisdell Center and Waikiki Shell are some great venues to enjoy local Hawaiian music. Honolulu also has several local live theaters, such as Diamond Head Theatre.

Pride of its history and artists that inhabit the city, Honolulu real estate also houses many museums. The Honolulu Academy of Arts houses Western as well as Asian art, the Contemporary Museum houses contemporary art and the Hawaii State Art Museum houses traditional Hawaiian art as well as pieces by local artisans.

If it is shelter you are seeking, Honolulu real estate has it. From its beautiful surroundings, its important history and the sheer volume of recreation available, Honolulu and its people are happy to share their enivronment with you. For help with your Honolulu home purchase or sale, just contact your Honolulu real estate professional and we'll show what paradise is all about!